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Bill Tracking
The 80th Texas Legislature convened January 9, 2007.
TNOYS tracked a number of bills during the session, based on the priorities set by our membership.
Useful Links to Help You:
Texas Legislature Online: www.capitol.state.tx.us
What We Tracked...
| Appropriations/Budget |
| Child Welfare |
| Education |
| Health |
| Higher Education |
| Juvenile Justice |
| Mental Health |
| Non-Profit Related |
80TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE
STATUS OF BILLS TRACKED
BY TNOYS 2007
For more information on a bill, click on the bill number to follow the link to the Texas Legislature Online.
Appropriations and Budget Issues
HB1
Author: Rep. Chisum, Warren (R-88)
Last Action: 05/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: General Appropriations Bill
SB1
Author: Sen. Ogden, Steve (R-5)
Last Action: 04/02/2007 - Left pending in Senate committee
Caption: General Appropriations Bill
Child Welfare
HB347
Author: Rep. Hamilton, Mike (R-19)
Last Action: 04/19/2007 - Referred Senate Criminal Justice
Caption: Relating to the punishment for the offense of harboring a runaway child.
Summary: This bill would make the offense of harboring a runaway child a third degree felony if, at the time of the offense, the individual was required to register as a sex offender. (it would amends section 25.06 of the Penal Code).
HB363
Author: Rep. Naishtat, Elliott (D-49)
Last Action: 04/12/2007 - House meeting cancelled
Caption: Relating to the provision of case management services for children by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Summary: This bill would amend the Family Code and the Human Resources Code to remove case management from the services that would have been privatized as the result of Senate Bill 6 (79th Legislature).
HB424
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Last Action: 05/09/2007 - Laid on the House table subject to call
Caption: Relating to a competitive grant program to fund nurse-family partnership programs in certain communities in this state.
Summary: This legislation would add a section to the Government Code to establish a competitive grant program to fund the establishment of nurse-family partnership programs no later than December 1, 2007. The Health and Human Services Commission would award grants for the operation of programs in multiple communities for at least two years serving at least 1,200 families. Programs funded would have to adhere closely to the model developed by the Nurse-Family Partnership National Service Office.
HB436
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Companion: SB78
Last Action: 05/08/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the creation of the offense of continuous sexual abuse of a child, the prosecution and punishment of that offense, and the consequences of a conviction for that offense.
Summary: This legislation would add a section to the Penal Code to create a new offense: continuous sexual abuse of a young child or children. The offense would be defined by committing more than one act of sexual abuse against a child(ren) younger than 14 during a 90 day period. Punishments would include prison time of 25-99 years with parole possible after an inmate's actual calendar time served, without consideration of good conduct time, equals 25 calendar years.
HB569
Author: Rep. Gonzales, Veronica (D-41)
Companion: SB74
Last Action: 04/16/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the creation of an address confidentiality program to assist victims of family violence, sexual assault, or stalking in maintaining confidential addresses.
HB597
Author: Rep. Guillen, Ryan (D-31)
Last Action: 04/18/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the creation of an address confidentiality program to assist victims of family violence or stalking in maintaining confidential addresses.
HB619
Author: Rep. Puente, Robert (D-119)
Last Action: 02/06/2007 - Referred to House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues
Caption: Relating to the involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship.
HB649
Author: Rep. McCall, Brian (R-66)
Last Action: 06/15//2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to the fraudulent use of a child's identifying information.
HB662
Author: Rep. Dukes, Dawnna (D-46)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to the coordination and improvement of certain programs and services for the prevention of and early intervention in child abuse and neglect.
Summary: This bill calls for a statewide, long-range strategic plan for child abuse/neglect prevention services. DFPS would work with the Interagency Coordinating Council for Building Healthy Families to prepare a report to the legislature, re: the strategic plan.
HB772
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to social studies conducted in certain suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
Summary: This bill would add language to the Family Code that would institute a requirement to evaluate children involved in adoption cases, conservatorship cases, or custody cases using a "social study" conducted by a person qualified to do such a study. The "social study" would consist of personal interviews with each party to a suit, an interview with each child involved, information gathering from other sources, inspection of the home environment of each party seeking custody or conservatorship of the child, and consideration of criminal history and/or contact with the Department of Family and Protective Services. Social studies would have to be conducted for the home environment of each party to the suit.
HB959
Author: Rep. Bonnen, Dennis (R-25)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to the statute of limitations for the offense of injury to a child.
Summary: This bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to extend the statute of limitations for injury to a child. Currently, an indictment for first degree felony injury to a child must be achieved within ten years, and injury to a child that is not punishable as a first degree felony has a five year limit. T his bill would change both of those provisions to require an indictment within ten years of the child's 18th birthday.
HB1035
Author: Rep. Riddle, Debbie (R-150)
Last Action: 05/15/2007 - Referred to Senate Criminal Justice
Caption: Relating to the admissibility of certain hearsay statements made by a child abuse victim.
Summary: This bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow as evidence statements by children under 14 in reference to other incidents of abuse or attempted abuse against that child or another child under 14 years of age.
HB1112
Author: Rep. Turner, Sylvester (D-139)
Companion: SB450
Last Action: 03/22/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to consent for certain medical research involving children in foster care.
Summary: This bill would amend the Family Code to prohibit the enrollment of foster children to participate in any clinical trials, drug studies, or medical and clinical research. The bill would not apply to studies based only on medical records, claims data, or outcome data.
HB1361
Author: Rep. Naishtat, Elliott (D-49)
Last Action: 04/16/2007- Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the privatization of child protective services and the improvement of services for children and families provided by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Summary: It eliminates the Independent Administrator option, for contracting out child welfare services; those functions are given back to DFPS. It does permit DFPS to contract with private agencies to provide case management as well as substitute care services. The noted difference with SB6 in this regard, is that it specifically disallows contracting out court-related duties (including preparing court reports, attending judicial hearings and permanency hearings, and ensuring that the child is progressing toward permanency within state and federal mandates). Case management that can be contracted out includes caseworker-child visits, family visits, convening of family group conferences, development and revision of the case plan, and coordinating and monitoring of services by the child and family. DFPS would no longer be obligated to transfer all foster homes and adoption services to the private sector; but would continue to be obligated to develop an improvement plan that addresses a number of new areas - including improvement of quality and accountability in services, whether delivered by the department or by contracted providers, and improvement in family preservation and family reunification efforts.
HB1752
Author: Rep. Rodriguez, Eddie (D-51)
Last Action: 04/16/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to a foster children’s bill of rights
Summary: This bill would amend the Family Code to add a foster children’s "bill of rights," which would include a list of 40 rights to which each child in substitute care is entitled. In addition, it would require that any action taken that is inconsistent with the foster children's "bill of rights" be included in the permanency progress report or placement review report filed with a court. Each foster child would be provided a copy of the "bill of rights" in the child's primary language if possible. In addition, the child would be told orally of their rights in simple terms. The home or facility in which the child's placed would have to display a copy of the "bill of rights" both in English and a second language. Actions would be taken to encourage current and former foster children to educate other foster children about the "bill of rights."
HB2580
Author: Rep. Naishtat, Elliott (D-49)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to the designation by the Department of Family and Protective Services of an individual to consent on behalf of the department to medical care for a child in foster care.
HB2670
Author: Rep. Giddings,
Last Action: 05/03/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the regulation of foster care providers.
Summary: This bill would entitle the Department of Family and Protective Services access to records relating to an applicant for a foster home license. The Department of Public Safety would be provided access to a current database of licensed foster homes, so that if someone were dispatched to a residence they would know whether a foster child lives at the home. Also, before a license or registration for a foster home would be given, the applicant would be screened for any domestic violence reports for a period of 10 years preceding the date of application. Any renewals of license or registration for a foster home would be subject to law enforcement screening for domestic violence as well.
HB3108
Author: Rep. Bolton, Valinda (D-47)
Last Action: 04/16/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to caseloads for certain employees of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
HB3505
Author: Rep. Hartnett, Will (R-114)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to requirements for judicial training on issues regarding family violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and neglect.
HB3525
Author: Rep. Homer, Mark (D-3)
Last Action: 04/25/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the divorce of parents with children under 18 years of age.
HB3756 (SB1410)
Author: Rep. Naishtat, Elliott (D-49)
Last Action: 04/16/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the management of child protective services caseworkers.
HB3958
Author: Rep. Castro, Joaquin (D-125)
Last Action: 05/03/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to a central database containing information about certain offenders who have committed offenses involving family or dating violence.
HB3965
Author: Rep. Martinez Fischer, Trey (D-116)
Last Action: 05/02/2007 - House meeting cancelled
Caption: Relating to duties of a parent in the parent-child relationship to report, creating an offense and providing a penalty and other family law matters.
SB98
Author: Sen. Zaffirini, Judith (D-21)
Last Action: 01/23/2007 - Referred to Senate Administration
Caption: Relating to the preparation of a child impact statement for a bill or joint resolution considered by the legislature.
Summary: This bill would require the Legislative Budget Board to prepare a child impact statement for each bill filed, excluding appropriations bill, stating whether children's emotional, physical, intellectual and financial needs and access to resources will be affected by the legislation.
SB130
Author: Sen. West, Royce (D-23)
Last Action: 05/15/2007 - No action taken in House committee
Caption: Relating to conduct that constitutes the offense of endangering a child.
Summary: This bill would add a section to the Penal Code so that using a controlled substance in the presence of a child would be considered child endangerment.
SB156
Author: Sen. Shapiro, Florence (R-8)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to a competitive grant program to fund nurse-family partnership programs in certain communities in this state.
Summary: This legislation would add a section to the Government Code to establish a competitive grant program to fund the establishment or expansion of nurse-family partnership programs no later than March 1, 2008. The Health and Human Services Commission would award grants for the operation of programs in multiple communities for at least two years and serving at least 2,000 families. Programs funded would have to adhere closely to the model developed by the Nurse-Family Partnership National Service Office.
SB452
Author: Sen. Uresti, Carlos (D-118)
Last Action: 03/22/2007 - Left pending in Senate Health and Human Services
Caption: Relating to access to records maintained by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Summary: This bill would amend the Family Code to require DFPS to provide information if requested by the public about reported abuse or neglect and service provision in those cases that would otherwise be kept confidential as long as the agency edits the information to protect the identity of children and families involved.
SB460
Author: Sen. Carona, John (R-16)
Companion: HB1264
Last Action: 02/21/2007 - Referred to Senate Criminal Justice
Caption: Relating to the admissibility of evidence of similar offenses in the prosecution of certain sexual offenses.
Summary: This bill would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to allow evidence of other similar sexual offenses or attempted sexual offenses committed by defendants accused of child sexual abuse.
SB758
Author: Sen. Nelson, Jane (R-12)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 – Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to child protective services
Summary: Nelson, is one of several bills intended to "clean up" language in SB6, the massive child welfare reform bill passed last session. Among the changes:
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DFPS would be required to contract with private agencies to provide case management services, for at least 10% of the cases in the state, by September 1, 2009.
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DFPS would maintain a Provider Information Database, available to child placing agencies, with information about denied licenses to operate a foster home, complaints against licensed foster homes, and other information on licenses that have been denied, canceled or not renewed.
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Unannounced, annual inspections of residential child-care facilities would be required.
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A Committee on Licensing Standards, and a Committee on Medical and Financial Issues Relating to Abuse and Neglect would be created.
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For children under two years, therapeutic visits with families would be required, to promote family reunification; and they must be placed with a caregiver prepared to provide services without disruption until reunification or permanent placement can be achieved.
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DFPS would develop a program for families where poverty is a significant underlying cause of neglect; including flexible funding for nonrecurring expenses.
SB759
Author: Sen. Nelson, Jane (R-12)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to certain requirements relating to permanency hearings and placement review hearings for children under the care of the Department of Family and Protective Services.
SB805
Author: Sen. Uresti, Carlos (D-118)
Last Action: 05/22/2007 - Placed on House General State Calendar
Caption: Relating to a foster children’s bill of rights
Companion: HB1752
Summary: Identical to HB1752
SB1457
Author: Sen. Uresti, Carlos (D-118)
Last Action: 05/17/2007 - Placed on House General State Calendar
Caption: Relating to the establishment of a strategy for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving child welfare.
Summary: This bill would establish a 15 member ‘task force’ with the goal of establishing a strategy for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving child welfare by October 1, 2007. Five members with appropriate expertise in this field would be appointed by the governor; five by the lieutenant governor; and five by the speaker of the house of representatives. The task force would be charged with gathering information; receiving reports and testimony; creating goals for state policy; and submitting a strategic plan with proposals for specific statutory changes, creation of new programs, and methods of improving cooperation among all levels of government by
August 1, 2009.
Education
HB18
Author: Rep. Corte, Jr. Frank (R-122)
Last Action: 01/29/2007 - Referred to House Public Education
Caption: Relating to creation of a public education voucher pilot program for certain children.
HB20
Author: Rep. Corte, Jr. Frank (R-122)
Last Action: 03/06/2007 - No action taken in House committee
Caption: Relating to the expulsion of students for assault of school employees
HB121
Author: Rep. Dukes, Dawnna (D-46)
Last Action: 05/18/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to public school policies designed to prevent dating violence.
HB163
Author: Rep. Raymond, Richard (D-42)
Last Action: 04/12/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to bullying as a ground for removing a public school student from class and placing the student in a disciplinary alternative education program.
HB494
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Last Action: 05/14/2007 - Referred to Senate Education
Caption: Relating to assessment of the academic growth of students attending a disciplinary alternative education program and evaluation of disciplinary alternative education programs.
HB509
Author: Rep Harless, Patricia (R-126)
Last Action: 02/05/2007 - Referred to House Public Education
Caption: Relating to the enrollment in public school of certain students who are registered sex offenders.
HB531
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Last Action: 04/12/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the eligibility of certain high school students to take the high school equivalency exam.
HB572
Author: Rep. Gonzales, Veronica (D-41)
Last Action: 04/12/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to reports of incidents of bullying at public schools and at public school activities.
HB607
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Companion: SB217
Last Action: 02/06/2007 - Referred to House Public Education
Caption: Relating to the penalty for a parent who fails to require a child to attend school.
HB752
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 02/20/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the right of an employee to time off from work to participate in certain school activities of the employee's child.
HB753
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 02/20/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the right of an employee to time off from work to meet with certain persons affecting the education of the employee's child.
HB786
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 03/06/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to referral of public school students to law enforcement officials for violations of an independent school district student code of conduct.
HB833
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 05/09/2007 - Placed in House General State Calendar
Caption: Relating to the prevention of harassment in public schools
HB846
Author: Rep. Olivo, Dora (D-27)
Last Action: 04/24/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the right of a parent of a public school student to prompt notice of certain disciplinary action taken against the student.
HB848
Author: Rep. Olivo, Dora (D-27)
Last Action: 03/06/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to school district reporting of students placed in disciplinary alternative education programs or expelled from school.
HB851
Author: Rep. Olivo, Dora (D-27)
Last Action: 04/24/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to consideration of mitigating factors in determining appropriate disciplinary action to be taken against a public school student.
HB920
Author: Rep. Eissler, Rob (R-15)
Last Action: 05/07/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the protection of public safety through the placement of certain offenders who are public school students in alternative education programs and the provision of information relating to certain offenders.
HB2829
Author: Rep. Haggerty, Pat (R-78)
Last Action: 03/14/2007 - Referred to House Public Education
Caption: Relating to the right of a public school educator to remove a student form the educator’s classroom.
HB3459
Author: Rep. Paxton, Jr. Ken (R-70)
Last Action: 05/07/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to procedures relating to placement of a public school student in a disciplinary alternative education program.
SB52
Author: Sen. Zaffirini, Judith (D-21)
Last Action: 01/23/2007 - Referred to Senate Education
Caption: Relating to the compulsory school attendance age.
SB69
Author. Sen. Lucio, Edwards (D-27)
Last Action: 01/23/2007 - Referred to Senate Education
Caption: Relating to the employment of certified counselors by school districts.
SB86
Author: Sen. Hinojosa, Juan (D-20)
Last Action: 03/15/2007 - No action taken in Senate committee
Caption: Relating to public school policies designed to prevent dating violence.
SB127
Author: Sen. Shapleigh, Eliot (D-29)
Companion: HB1609
Last Action: 05/20/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to funding of the Communities in Schools Program.
SB217
Author: Sen. Shapiro, Florence (R-8)
Companion: HB607
Last Action: 05/20/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the penalty for a parent who fails to require a child to attend school.
SB1456
Author: Rep. Uresti, Carlos (D-118)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to training for public school educators in the prevention of child abuse.
Summary: Would require any individual seeking a bachelor degree in conjunction with a teaching certificate, to also receive instruction in child abuse awareness and prevention as part of the curriculum. In addition, each school district would be required to provide annual training in child abuse prevention for teachers employed by the district.
Health-Related
HB21
Author: Rep. Corte, Jr. Frank (R-122)
Last Action: 04/27/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to informed consent to an abortion.
HB23
Author: Rep. Corte, Jr. Frank (R-122)
Last Action: 01/29/2007 - Referred to House State Affairs
Caption: Relating to disclosing information to persons obtaining emergency contraception.
HB24
Author: Rep. Corte, Jr. Frank (R-122)
Last Action: 03/12/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to a fee on sales of alcoholic beverages in certain municipalities to fund fire and emergency services and related educational activities.
HB28
Author: Rep. Berman, Leo (R-6)
Last Action: 01/29/2007 - Referred to House State Affairs
Caption: Relating to the eligibility of an individual born in this state whose parents are illegal aliens to receive state benefits.
HB109
Author: Rep. Turner, Sylvester (D-139)
Companion: SB81
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to eligibility for and the administration of the child health plan program.
HB740
Author: Rep. Naishtat, Elliott (D-49)
Last Action: 03/01/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to certain state health care programs for children.
Summary: This legislation would amend the Health and Safety Code and would require the Health and Human Services Commission to develop eligibility screening and enrollment procedures that would automatically enroll eligible children in the Children's Medicaid program using a consolidated application. This legislation would require HHSC to determine a child's eligibility for Medicaid if they have become ineligible for CHIP and will have their benefits terminated. Former CHIP recipients who are eligible for Medicaid would be automatically enrolled unless the child's parent objects.
HB1051
Author: Rep. Naishtat, Elliott (D-49)
Companion: SB693
Last Action: 03/01/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to eligibility for and administration of certain health benefits programs.
Summary: This legislation would amend the Government Code and would require the Health and Human Services Commission to ensure that the processing time for applications and eligibility determinations for Medicaid and CHIP meet or exceed 2004 performance levels. The HHSC should ensure that private and public staff processing these applications are adequately trained and staffed and that all computer systems supporting this process are performing properly. This legislation would also require the HHSC to establish Medicaid and CHIP provider payment rates that are at or above 2002 rates, are adjusted annually for inflation, and are ultimately increased to equal Medicaid reimbursement levels. The HHSC would also be required to conduct a community outreach and education campaign that would educate families about coverage options for their children and address the need for special outreach efforts in rural communities. This legislation would also amend the Health and Safety Code and use net family income after deducting child care and work-related expenses to determine a child's eligibility for health benefits and would eliminate asset tests for families with incomes at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level. This bill would establish 12-month continuous coverage for eligible children.
HB2780
Author: Rep. Brown, Betty (R-4)
Last Action: 04/16/2007 - No action taken in House committee
Caption: Relating to the authority to consent to the administration of psychotropic drugs to certain foster children.
HB2882
Author: Rep. Davis, John (R-129)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to a transitional health plan program for certain children previously enrolled in the Medicaid or the state child health plan program.
HB3538
Author: Rep. Garcia, Juan (D-32)
Last Action: 03/21/2007 - Referred to House Human Services
Caption: Relating to eligibility for and the administration of the child health plan program.
HB3571
Author: Rep. Rose, Patrick (D-45)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to partnerships between the Health and Human Services Commission and private entities to conduct health and human services program outreach efforts.
HB3576
Author: Rep. Rose, Patrick (D-45)
Last Action: 03/21/2007 - Referred to House Human Services
Caption: Relating to the child health plan program.
SB266
Author: Sen. Zaffirini, Judith (D-21)
Last Action: 05/08/2007 - Scheduled for Senate public hearing
Caption: Relating to the period of continuous eligibility for the medical assistance program.
Summary: This legislation would amend the Human Resources Code and establish one year continuous eligibility for children under the age of 19 enrolled in CHIP or Children's Medicaid.
SB693
Author: Sen. Uresti, Carlos (D-118)
Companion: HB1051
Last Action: 02/28/2007 - Referred to Senate Health and Human Services
Caption: Relating to eligibility for and administration of certain health benefit programs.
Summary: This legislation would amend the Government Code and would require the Health and Human Services Commission to ensure that the processing time for applications and eligibility determinations for Medicaid and CHIP meet or exceed 2004 performance levels. The HHSC should ensure that private and public staff processing these applications are adequately trained and staffed and that all computer systems supporting this process are performing properly. This legislation would also require the HHSC to establish Medicaid and CHIP provider payment rates that are at or above 2002 rates, are adjusted annually for inflation, and are ultimately increased to equal Medicaid reimbursement levels. The HHSC would also be required to conduct a community outreach and education campaign that would educate families about coverage options for their children and address the need for special outreach efforts in rural communities. This legislation would also amend the Health and Safety Code and use net family income after deducting child care and work-related expenses to determine a child's eligibility for health benefits and would eliminate asset tests for families with incomes at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level. This bill would establish 12-month continuous coverage for eligible children.
Related to Higher Education
HB39
Author: Rep. Paxton, Jr., Ken (R-70)
Last Action: 04/19/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the determination of resident status of students by public institutions of higher education.
HB104
Author: Rep. Riddle, Debbie (R-150)
Last Action: 04/19/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to information required to establish resident status in connection with tuition and fees charged by public institutions of higher education.
HB3828
Author: Rep. Morrison, Geanie (R-30)
Last Action: 05/19/2007 - Scheduled for Senate public hearing
Caption: Relating to performance incentive funding for institutions of higher education.
HB3867
Author: Rep. Paxton, Jr., Ken (R-70)
Last Action: 03/22/2007 - Referred to House Public Education
Caption: Relating to a scholarship program for certain students in foster care.
Juvenile Justice
HB68
Author: Rep. Leibowitz, David (D-117)
Last Action: 01/29/2007 - Referred to House Appropriations
Caption: Relating to the creation of anti-bullying hotline.
HB166
Author: Rep. Raymond, Richard (D-42)
Last Action: 01/30/2007 - Referred to House Law Enforcement
Caption: Relating to a pilot program establishing a safe schools unit in the Department of Public Safety.
HB185
Author: Rep. Hochberg, Scott (D-137)
Last Action: 05/17/2007 - Left pending in Senate committee
Caption: Relating to gang-related activity in and around public schools: providing a criminal penalty.
HB425
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to the instructional requirements for education services provided in a juvenile residential facility operated by a juvenile board.
HB427
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Last Action: 04/05/2007 - Reported favorably as substituted
Caption: Relating to the prosecution of certain crimes occurring in the Texas Youth Commission.
HB748
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 02/07/2007 - Referred to House Criminal Jurisprudence
Caption: Relating to an affirmative defense available to certain students who engage in sexual contact with another student at least 13 years of age.
Summary: This bill would change the Penal Code to decriminalize consensual sexual activity between high school students close in age. The younger student could not be younger than 13 years of age and the age difference between older and younger students could not be more than three years, or five years as long as both are in high school.
HB775
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 05/09/2007 - Placed on House General State Calendar
Caption: Relating to reports by certain juvenile court judges on children committed to Texas Youth Commission facilities.
HB777
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 05/15/2007 - Referred to Senate Criminal Justice
Caption: Relating to the sentencing of juveniles in juvenile court and the functions of the Texas Youth Commission.
HB807
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 04/11/2007 - No action taken in House committee
Caption: Relating to the payment and use of a juvenile delinquency prevention fund.
HB898
Author: Rep. McClendon, Ruth (D-120)
Last Action: 04/26/2007 - Consideration on House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the creation of the Criminal Justice Legislative Oversight Committee.
HB914
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to the establishment of an office of inspector general at the Texas Youth Commission.
HB1043
Author: Rep. Dutton, Harold (D-142)
Last Action: 05/21/2007 - Senate committee report printed and distributed
Caption: Relating to the provision of courses in behavioral modification by disciplinary alternative education programs and juvenile justice alternative education programs.
HB1078
Author: Rep. Hochberg, Scott (D-137)
Last Action: 04/16/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendars
Caption: Relating to the imposition of conditions on a child adjudicated of having engaged in conduct that constitutes the commission of a hate crime.
HB1111
Author: Rep. Turner, Sylvester (D-139)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to prohibiting medical, psychiatric, and other research on children committed to Texas Youth Commission.
HB1113
Author: Rep. Turner, Sylvester (D-139)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to prohibiting research on children within the juvenile probation system.
HB2532
Author: Rep. Patrick, Diane (R-94)
Last Action: 06/15/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to the expulsion and placement in alternative settings of public school students who in engage in conduct constituting certain felonies.
HB2577
Author: Rep. Puente, Robert (D-119)
Last Action: 04/25/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to the exchange of information among certain governmental entities concerning at-risk youth
HB2807
Author: Rep. Madden, Jerry (R-67)
Last Action: 05/07/2007 - Laid on table subject to call
Caption: Relating to the operations and functions of the Texas Youth Commission.
HB3521
Author: Rep. Bolton, Valinda (D-47)
Last Action: 05/15/2007 - Referred to Senate Criminal Justice
Caption: Relating to measures to increase the safety of children committed to the Texas Youth Commission.
HB3633
Author: Rep. Deshotel, Joe (D-22)
Last Action: 03/22/2007 - Referred to House Public Education
Caption: Relating to the creation and administration of a community-based at-risk youth program.
HB3746
Author: Rep. McClendon, Ruth (D-120)
Last Action: 05/10/2007 - Referred to Senate Education
Caption: Relating to state aid for certain juvenile justice alternative education programs that enter into certain revenue sharing agreements.
HB3983
Author: Rep. Merritt, Tommy (R-7)
Last Action: 03/30/2007 - Referred to House Corrections
Caption: Relating to the powers, duties and composition of the governing board of the Texas Youth Commission
SB103
Author: Sen. Hinojosa, Juan (D-20)
Last Action: 06/08/2007 - Effective immediately
Caption: Relating to the operations of the Texas Youth Commission.
If passed, SB 103 would do the following:
- create an Inspector General Office with law enforcement authority to investigate crimes and fraud
- provide resources for local prosecutors to try criminal cases that occur in TYC facilities
- require the Texas Rangers to inspect TYC facilities monthly
- require staff-to-youth ratio of no more than 1-to-12
- place restrictions on housing of younger and older youth in the same dorm
- increase JCO training to 300 hours.
SB1295
Author: Sen. West, Royce (D-23)
Last Action: 05/22/2007 - Placed on House General State Calendar
Caption: Relating to the establishment of community-based programs administered by the juvenile boards of certain counties.
SB1311
Author: Rep. Wentworth, Jeff (R-25)
Companion: HB2577
Last Action: 05/18/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendar
Caption: Relating to the exchange of information among certain governmental entities concerning at-risk youth
Mental Health
HB173
Author: Rep. Raymond, Richard (D-42)
Last Action: 04/16/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendar
Caption: Relating to a physical and mental examination of a child subject to the juvenile justice system.
HB510
Author: Rep. Farabee, David (D-9)
Last Action: 05/01/2007 - Committee report sent to House Calendar
Caption: Relating to health benefit plan coverage for certain mental disorders in children.
HB656
Author: Rep. Coleman, Garnet (D-147)
Last Action: 02/06/2007 - Referred to House Insurance
Caption: Relating to health benefit plan coverage for an enrollee with certain mental disorders.
HB919
Author: Rep. Eissler, Rob (R-15)
Last Action: 03/05/2007 - Left pending in House committee
Caption: Relating to coverage for certain mental disorders in children under a health coverage plan established by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas under the Texas School Employees Uniform Group Health Coverage Act.
Summary: This bill would amend the Insurance Code so that a child under 19 years of age would have insurance coverage for diagnosis and treatment of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Insurance would be provided under the same terms and conditions as coverage for diagnosis and treatment of physical illness. The insurance could be offered through a managed care plan; would not be subject to an annual lifetime limit on number of days of inpatient treatment or outpatient visits; and would be subject to the same amount limits, deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance factors as coverage for physical illness.
HB940
Author: Rep. Delisi, Dianne (R-55)
Last Action: 02/08/2007 - Referred to House Public Health
Caption: Relating to providing behavioral health services and the Mental Health Transformation Project.
Related to Non-Profits
HB76
Author: Rep. Naishtat, Elliott (D-49)
Companion: SB58
Last Action: 05/14/2007 - Effective on 09/01/2007
Caption: Relating to the collection and analysis of information relating to certain sexual offenses.
HB289
Author: Rep. Delisi, Dianne
Companion: SB200
Last Action: 05/15/2007 - Referred to Senate Health and Human Services
Caption: Relating to the expansion of faith- and community-based health and human services initiatives.
Summary: This bill would increase the capacity of faith- and community-based organizations to provide mentoring services. The Governor's Office would also provide grants through the Texas mentoring initiative.
Advocacy Organizations:
Center for Public Policy Priorities: www.cppp.org/
Texas CHIP Coalition: http://www.texaschip.org/
Texas Medical Association: www.texmed.org/
Mental Health Association in Texas: www.mhatexas.org/
Texans Care for Children: www.texanscareforchildren.org/
United Ways of Texas: www.uwaytexas.org